Lung cancer mortality in arsenic-exposed workers from a cadmium recovery plant

Abstract

Background: There is evidence that arsenic is a late-stage human lung carcinogen. Aims: To investigate lung cancer risks in a cohort of cadmium recovery workers in relation to period from ceasing exposure to arsenic. Methods: The mortality experience (1940-2001) of a cohort of 625 male workers from a US cadmium recovery plant was compared with expectations based on US national mortality rates. Results: There was a statistically significant (P < 0.05) negative trend in lung cancer standardized mortality ratios in relation to period from ceasing arsenic exposure. Conclusions: The findings are consistent with the hypothesis that arsenic is a late-stage human carcinogen. © The Author 2009. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Occupational Medicine. All rights reserved.